Gaudete! Rejoice!

Gaudete! Rejoice! Rejoice!? How can I rejoice? It’s a desert out there. The desert and the parched land will exult, the steppe will rejoice and bloom. Rejoice? Again? What about exams? Say to those whose hearts are frightened, be strong, fear not. You obviously haven’t seen my semester average. Rejoice. Tell my parents that. Rejoice. Here is your God. He comes with vindication. Really? Rejoice. Maybe. Rejoice! Rejoice. Rejoice! OK - Rejoice. Rejoice! OK, OK -REJOICE!
This Sunday, listen to Isaiah’s bright and vivid call to the Chosen People: a land of beauty and plenty awaits, you will be free, healthy, fearless and joyful. You will be going home! Here is your God! REJOICE! In the second reading, James’ reminder to the early Christians is straightforward: do not let the days wear you down. Be patient and keep the community strong. The coming of the Lord is at hand! REJOICE! In the Gospel, an unsure John the Baptist gets to hear Jesus echo the words of Isaiah: everything prophesied is happening. The Anointed One is here! REJOICE! How were these forbearers reminded of the promise that God would enter their world? They listened to those who called them to remember God’s purpose-salvation-and who called them to REJOICE!
Who is the prophet reminding me of God’s great, loving design? My children, begging me to read the Christmas Story one more time? REJOICE! My roommate, talking me down after my exam? REJOICE! My spouse, making hot chocolate just for two, reminding me of the importance of our marriage? REJOICE! My friend, inviting me to go caroling at the nursing home? REJOICE! Fr. Bekeh, issuing a challenge? REJOICE! Fr. Fred, inviting me to morning prayer? REJOICE!!
Light the Advent candles! Remember, the Lord is coming! Rejoice! Gaudete!

Mike and Marge McCawley are WVU Alumni and long-time parishioners of St. John.

Question of the Week
How does God call you to rejoice? How does the Sacred enter into the secular in this season?